Magnetic bracket assembly for modular furniture system

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to a modular furniture system comprising a modular unit capable of being removably affixed to a furniture member via at least one bracket assembly, the bracket assembly comprising a first bracket disposed on the modular unit and having a first magnetic component and at least one locking means; and a second bracket disposed on the furniture member and having a second magnetic component and a receiving means capable of engaging the at least one locking means.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/249,450, filed Jan. 16, 2019 and entitled“Magnetic Bracket Assembly for Modular Furniture System”, which isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed to a modular furnituresystem, and more particularly, to a magnetic bracket assembly forconnecting components of a modular furniture system.

BACKGROUND

Modular furniture systems allow customization of work spaces by allowingfor the addition or removal of modular units such as panels, dividers,extensions pieces, and other components to or from furniture members. Inconventional furniture systems, modular units may be appended tofurniture members in one of two ways: 1) by permanently attaching themodular unit to the furniture member using screws; or 2) by removablyattaching the modular unit to the furniture member via a screw-knobassembly. These conventional systems are not only difficult andburdensome to install, but they lack flexibility as they may only allowmodular units to be attached in specified orientations.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to modular furniture systems,and particularly to a magnetic bracket assembly for connecting a modularunit to a furniture member in a modular furniture system.

In an implementation, the modular furniture system may comprise amodular unit capable of being removably affixed to a furniture membervia at least one bracket assembly, the bracket assembly comprising afirst bracket disposed on the modular unit and having a first magneticcomponent and at least one locking means; and a second bracket disposedon the furniture member and having a second magnetic component and areceiving means capable of engaging the at least one locking means.

In another implementation, the bracket assembly may comprise a firstbracket having a first magnetic component and at least one lockingmeans; and a second bracket having a second magnetic component and areceiving means capable of engaging the at least one locking means.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the implementations will be apparent from thedescription and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates perspective view of a magnetic bracket assembly foruse in connection with a modular furniture system, according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a first bracket of a magneticbracket assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates perspective view of a first bracket of a magneticbracket assembly having a cover, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of a first bracket of a magnetic bracketassembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a first bracket of a magneticbracket assembly and its cover as attached to a modular unit, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of a cover of a first bracket ofa magnetic bracket assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a second bracket of a magneticbracket assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B illustrates another perspective view of a second bracket of amagnetic bracket assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of a second bracket of a magneticbracket assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a second bracket of a magnetic bracket assembly asattached to a furniture member, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cutaway view of an assembled magnetic bracketassembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cutaway view of a disassembled magnetic bracketassembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a plurality magnetic bracketassemblies for use in connection with a modular furniture system,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of a modular unit arranged in adownward configuration, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of a modular unit arranged in anupward configuration, according to the present disclosure.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to a modular furnituresystem, and more particularly, to a magnetic bracket assembly forconnecting components of a modular furniture system. According to thepresent disclosure, the magnetic bracket assembly may allow a modularunit to be joined to or removed from a furniture member, while alsoproviding flexibility and versatility in the modular furniture system.

Reference is made to FIG. 1, which depicts a magnetic bracket assembly100 for use in connection with a modular furniture system according tothe present disclosure. Magnetic bracket assembly 100 may generallycomprise a first bracket 130 which may be fixedly attached onto amodular unit 110 of a modular furniture system, and a second bracket 140which may be fixedly attached onto a furniture member 120 of a modularfurniture system. Modular unit 110 onto which first bracket 130 may beattached may comprise a divider, a privacy panel, a modesty panel, orany other component desired to be (or capable of being) appended tomodular furniture system. Furniture member 120 onto which second bracket140 may be attached may comprise a desk, a table, a shelving unit, orany other furniture structure. The first bracket 130 of the modular unit110 and the second bracket 140 of the furniture member 120 may beconfigured to be mateably coupled to thereby join modular unit 110 withthe furniture member 120. While the present disclosure may describe themagnetic bracket assembly 100 in singular terms (as a single magneticbracket assembly having a first bracket 130 and a second bracket 140),the disclosure is not intended to be so limited. The modular furnituresystem of the present disclosure may utilize one or more magneticbracket assemblies having a corresponding number of first and secondbrackets for use therewith.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, which depict detailedviews of a first bracket 130 of the magnetic bracket assembly 100,according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2A, first bracket130 may comprise a first magnet 132 having a first magnetic pole (i.e.,a north or south magnetic pole). First magnet 132 may comprise anyvariety of magnet known in the art. In an implementation, first magnetmay comprise a N35-grade neodymium magnet with a thickness of 2 mm and adiameter of 25 mm. First magnet 132 may be disposed within first cutout138, which may be specifically configured to the size and shape of firstmagnet 132. As shown in FIG. 2B, first magnet 132, when placed insidefirst cutout 138, may be substantially flush with the surface of firstbracket 130.

First bracket 130 may further comprise first locking means 134 andsecond locking means 136. First and second locking means 134, 136 mayeach comprise a hook, a fastener, a peg, or other means to secure firstbracket 130 with second bracket 140. By way of example, FIGS. 2A-2Cdepict first and second locking means 134, 136 as hooks.

In an implementation, and as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, first and secondlocking means 134, 136 may be positioned at opposing ends of firstbracket 130 and facing each other (i.e., in a symmetricalconfiguration). This allows first bracket 130 to operate in at least twoorientations (upside down or right-side up) on modular unit 110, therebyincreasing the versatility of the modular furniture system.Alternatively, in another implementation, first bracket 130 may comprisea single locking means. In yet another implementation, first bracket 130may comprise a plurality of locking means in various configurations tofurther increase versatility of the modular furniture system (e.g., fourlocking means arranged on four sides of first bracket 130).

Reference is now made to FIG. 3A, which depicts first bracket 130 of themodular bracket assembly 100 affixed onto a back surface (or bottomside) 112 of modular unit 110 of a modular furniture system. Firstbracket 130 may further comprise at least two screw holes 135 configuredto receive at least two screws 133. Screws 133 may affix first bracket130 and first magnet 132 to modular unit 110. With further reference toFIG. 3A, cover 139 (the inside of which is shown in FIG. 3A) may beaffixed to a front surface (or top side) 114 of modular unit 110. Cover139 may comprise at least two holes 137 to receive screws 133 insertedthrough first bracket 130 through the back surface 112 of the modularunit 110 to the front surface 114 of modular unit 110. FIG. 3B depictsan exemplary outside surface of cover 139. The smooth outside surface ofcover 139 conceals screws 132 and screw holes 135 of the first bracket130.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4C, which depict detailed views ofsecond bracket 140, according to the present disclosure. Second bracket140 may comprise a L-shaped bracket having a first surface 147 and asecond surface 149. First surface 147 of second bracket 140 may beconfigured to mateably couple with first bracket 130. Second surface 149of second bracket 140 may be configured for attachment onto furnituremember 120.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, second bracket 140 may furthercomprise a second magnet 142 having a second magnetic pole which isopposite to the magnetic pole of first magnet 132. Therefore, if thefirst magnet 132 of first bracket 130 has a north magnetic pole, thesecond magnet 142 of second bracket 140 may comprise a south magneticpole. Due to their opposing magnetic poles, first and second magnets132, 142 may attract and may pull toward each other when aligned inclose proximity. Second magnet 142 may comprise any variety of magnetknown in the art. In an implementation, second magnet 142 may comprise aN35-grade neodymium magnet with a thickness of 3 mm and a diameter of 25mm. Second magnet 142 may be disposed within second cutout 148, whichmay be configured to the size and shape of second magnet 142. As shownin FIG. 4B, second magnet 142, when placed inside second cutout 148, maybe substantially flush with the surface of second bracket 140.

Second bracket 140 may further comprise a receiving means 144 capable ofreceiving and engaging first or second locking means 134, 136. Receivingmeans 144 may comprise a groove, a cut-out, or other such means forreceiving first or second locking means 134, 136, thereby securing firstand second brackets 130, 140 to each other. In an implementation, ifthere are more than one locking means (e.g., first and second lockingmeans 134, 136) in first bracket 130, receiving means may be configuredto receive any one of the locking means. This may allow for installationof the modular unit 110 onto the furniture member 120 in variousorientations. For example, the coupling of first locking means 134 ofthe first bracket 130 to receiving means 144 of the second bracket 140may result in the installation of the modular unit 110 in an upwarddirection to function as a privacy panel, and the coupling of the secondlocking means 136 to the receiving means 144 may result in theinstallation of the modular unit in a downward direction to function asa modesty panel. Thus, the present disclosure contemplates a magneticbracket assembly 100 configured for multi-functional capability.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4C, which depicts a side view of secondbracket 140. Second bracket 140 may further comprise a disengagementmeans (such as a ramp) 146 configured on a bottom edge of its firstsurface 147. As described in detail below, disengagement means (such asa ramp) 146 may assist in the disengagement of the first bracket 130from the second bracket 140, thereby separating modular unit 110 fromfurniture member 120.

With reference now to FIG. 5 (in conjunction with FIG. 4A), secondbracket 140 of the modular bracket assembly 100 is depicted as affixedonto an underside 124 of furniture member 120 (such a desk). Secondbracket 140 may be positioned along an edge 122 of furniture member 120,with the first surface 147 of the second bracket 140 substantially flushwith the edge 122 of the furniture member 120 and second surface 149 ofsecond bracket 140 positioned against the underside 124 of the furnituremember 120. As such, second magnet 142 may face outward so that it mayattach to first magnet 132 on first bracket 130. Second bracket 140 maybe affixed onto furniture member 120 via one or more screws 143 disposedwithin one or more holes/slots 145 on second surface 149 of secondbracket 140.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which depicts a cutaway view of amagnetic bracket assembly 100 in an engaged/locked position according tothe present disclosure. In operation, when the first and second brackets130, 140 are positioned in close proximity and generally facing eachother, the first and second magnets 132, 142 disposed within first andsecond brackets 130, 140 pull together due to their magnetic attraction.As the first and second magnets 132, 142 engage, the first locking means134 (or second locking means 136, if first bracket 130 was inverted)engages receiving means 144, thereby securing the first and secondbrackets 130, 140 into a unitary configuration. As a result, the modularunit 110 is secured to the furniture member 120.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, wherein is shown a cutaway view of amagnetic bracket assembly 100 in a disengaged/unlocked positionaccording to the present disclosure. To separate the modular unit 110from the furniture member 120, the modular unit 110 may be lifted upward(or an upward pressure applied) to disengage first locking means 134from the receiving means 144. As the modular unit 100 is lifted up, thesecond locking means 136 will contact the disengagement means (such as aramp) 146 on the second bracket 140 to assist in pushing the first andsecond magnets 132, 142 away from each other. As noted above, whileFIGS. 6-7 depict first locking means 134 engaging the receiving means144 to secure first and second brackets 130, 140 together, it may beunderstood that if the first bracket 130 is inverted, second lockingmeans 136 may engage the receiving means 144 to secure the first andsecond brackets 130, 140 together. In such case, when the bracketassembly is disengaged, first locking means 134 will contactdisengagement means (such as a ramp) 146 to disengage the first andsecond magnets 132, 142, and therefore first and second brackets 130,140 from each other. It is to be understood that while FIG. 7 depictsdisengagement means 146 as a ramp, the present disclosure is notintended to be so limited. Various structures may operate as adisengagement means to facilitate disengagement of the first and secondmagnets 132, 142 and/or first and second brackets 130, 140 withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8A, which depicts the use of multiplemagnetic bracket assemblies 200, 300 according to the presentdisclosure. Because modular units may be fashioned in various sizes andshapes, one or more magnetic bracket assemblies may be used to supportand affix a modular unit 110 to a furniture member 120. By way ofexample, FIGS. 8A-8C shows first and second magnetic bracket assemblies200, 300 to affix a modular unit 110 to a furniture member 120. Firstand second magnetic bracket assemblies 200, 300 may comprise firstbrackets 230, 330 affixed to a modular unit 110 and second brackets 240,340 affixed to a furniture member 120. Where multiple bracket assembliesare desired, it must be noted that the orientation and distance betweenthe first brackets 230, 330 must correspond to the orientation anddistance between the second brackets 240, 340. This ensures that thefirst brackets 230, 330 mateably couple with second brackets 240, 340 ofthe magnetic bracket assemblies 100, 200. Magnetic bracket assemblies100, 200 may comprise all of the components discussed above with respectto magnetic bracket assembly 100. As such, first brackets 230, 330 mayengage and disengage with second brackets 240, 240 in the same mannerdiscussed above with respect to first bracket 130 and second bracket140.

Referring now to FIGS. 8B and 8C, the magnetic bracket assembliesaccording the present disclosure allow versatility as modular unit 110may be coupled to furniture member 120 in a variety of orientations suchas, e.g., in downward (FIG. 8B) or upward (FIG. 8C) positions. Althoughnot shown in the Figures, the modular unit 110 may also be oriented inleft-facing or right-facing (horizontal) positions, simply by affixingsecond brackets 240, 340 along a vertical edge of furniture member 120.Thus, a variety of orientations and configurations may be achieved bythe magnetic bracket assembly of the present disclosure.

While the magnetic bracket assembly of the present disclosure isdescribed and shown in connection with a modular furniture system, it isto be understood that the magnetic bracket assembly is not intended tobe so limited, and may be used, fashioned, and/or applied in contextsoutside the field of modular furniture systems.

It is to be understood the implementations are not limited to particularsystems or processes described which may, of course, vary. It is also tobe understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular implementations only, and is not intended to belimiting. As used in this specification, the singular forms “a”, “an”and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly indicatesotherwise.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may bemade herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of thepresent application is not intended to be limited to the particularembodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter,means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one ofordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure,processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed thatperform substantially the same function or achieve substantially thesame result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may beutilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appendedclaims are intended to include within their scope such processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

1. A bracket assembly comprising: a first bracket having a first magnetand a first locking means, wherein the first bracket includes at leastone screw hole configured to receive at least one screw in mechanicalcommunication with a cover; and, a second bracket having a second magnetand a first receiving means capable of engaging the at least one lockingmeans.
 2. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and secondmagnets have attracting magnetic poles capable of securing the first andsecond magnets together, thereby connecting the first bracket to thesecond bracket.
 3. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the lockingmeans comprises one of a hook, a fastener, or a peg.
 4. The bracketassembly of claim 1, wherein the receiving means comprises one of agroove or a cut-out.
 5. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein when thefirst and second magnets join together and the at least one lockingmeans of the first bracket engages the receiving means of the secondbracket.
 6. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the engaging of theat least one locking means with the receiving means further secures thefirst bracket to the second bracket.
 7. The bracket assembly of claim 1,wherein the first bracket may be separated from the second bracket bydisengaging the at least one locking means from the receiving means. 8.The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking meansmay be disengaged from the receiving means by lifting the first bracketaway from the second bracket.
 9. The bracket assembly of claim 1,wherein the second bracket further comprises: a disengagement meansconfigured to facilitate disengagement of first and second magnets tofacilitate separation of the first and second brackets.
 10. The bracketassembly of claim 9, wherein the disengagement means comprises a ramp.11. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first bracket issecured to a modular unit with a faceplate.
 12. The bracket assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the modular unit comprises one of a divider, a privacypanel, or a modesty panel.
 13. The bracket assembly of claim 1, whereinthe second bracket is secured to a furniture member.
 14. The bracketassembly of claim 13, wherein the furniture member comprises one of adesk, a table or a shelving unit.
 15. The bracket assembly of claim 1,wherein the first magnet is substantially disposed within a first cutouton the first bracket configured to the size and shape of the firstmagnet and the second magnet is substantially disposed within a secondcutout on the second bracket configured to the size and shape of thesecond magnet.
 16. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstbracket further comprises: a second locking means for engaging thereceiving means of the second bracket when the first bracket isinverted.
 17. The bracket assembly of claim 15, wherein the first magnetis substantially flush with a surface of the first bracket and thesecond magnet is substantially flush with a surface of the secondbracket.